So, legislators are tinkering with tax laws, Australian businesses are running out of cash, and the adversities of recession are looming over the nation. With so much happening, all you can do as a start-up owner is brace yourself and develop robust financial strategies.
However, all businesses are busy. There’s a plethora of things to deal with every day, and keeping track of every financial aspect becomes difficult.
The question is – do you need help with your finances? We understand that accounting for start-ups is a real challenge at times, but you can make it a little easier on yourself and benefit from hiring a professional accountant. They can not only take out the headache but can help you make some real savings.
But which accountant is the right one for you and your business? In your search for an accountant, several professionals claim to provide the best service. In light of this, selecting any one of them becomes difficult. So we have developed this guide to help you know when you need an accountant and how to find the best one. Read on to learn more!
When does your start-up need a professional accountant?
- When you are launching your start-up
Launching your own start-up is surely exhilarating, but it also involves a huge financial risk. You need to understand whether your business idea will be profitable.
Experienced accountants in Sydney can help you navigate through the administrative aspects, like:
- Business structure
- Uncertainty about registering for GST
- Operating costs
- Revenue forecasts
They can also help you examine financing options and guide you regarding suitable lenders. Professional help, thus, will help you make the best decision going forward.
- For setting up a corporate structure
Outlining the legal framework of your start-up is essential regardless of the complexity of your business or goals. Who can better guide you with accounting for start-ups than an experienced accountant who knows all the little ins and outs and details?
The yearly set of accounts for a limited business, as well as the associated tax return, is a demanding procedure that requires the aid of specialists to execute properly. And it is critical to ensure compliance with regulations, as failing to do so may result in penalties and more administrative work.
- Cash flow estimation
A company failing to maintain a positive cash flow translates to business failure. The best way to avoid such failure is to assemble a progressive forecast a year ahead. This will help you address potential gaps, decide if you need loans, or raise equity financing for your business.
However, creating a cash flow estimation and identifying issues requires expertise, which skilled accountants in Sydney can provide.
- Your finances are out of your control
Are your expenses soaring high without your knowledge? Is there an increase in sales but no change in profitability?
Maintaining detailed and up-to-date financial records is crucial for any business. A professional accountant can set up efficient bookkeeping systems, track income and expenses, manage invoices, and reconcile accounts.
You will have a clear picture of your start-up’s financial performance by having organised financial records. This makes it easier to monitor profitability and make informed business decisions.
- Business growth and funding
A professional accountant is a valuable asset if you have ambitions to expand your start-up or seek funding from investors or lenders.
They can assist in preparing financial forecasts, business plans, and funding proposals that are accurate, comprehensive, and compelling. Having the support of an accountant enhances your credibility and increases the chances of securing financing for your growth initiatives.
- Time and efficiency
Your time is valuable as an entrepreneur, and wearing multiple hats can be exhausting.
You can delegate the responsibilities of accounting for start-ups to an accountant and free up your time to focus on core business activities, the parts of the business you love. This enhances productivity and ensures that financial matters are handled by an expert, minimising the risk of errors or oversights.
How to select the right accountant for your start-up?
- Identify your requirements
Before you can employ an accountant, you must first have a clear notion of the responsibilities or obligations that you want them to handle for your organisation.
You can hire a non-certified accountant or bookkeeper to assist with tasks such as preparing monthly financial statements and bookkeeping.
A CPA, often known as a certified public accountant, is necessary when preparing tax returns, seeking tax planning assistance, or having financial statements audited.
- Find someone with experience in your industry
As a start-up owner, you should look for accountants experienced in your particular industry. Find accountants that have proven expertise dealing with firms in your sector.
They can understand the associated risks and obstacles of your business niche. They can even assist you in making the appropriate choices that will benefit the growth of your organisation.
- Does location matter?
The location of your accountant is ultimately determined by what is ideal for your business. Your accountant might be located anywhere around the globe, depending on how you wish to handle your accounts.
On the other hand, you might prefer face-to-face communication and find it beneficial to have someone available to accompany you to business meetings. If this is the case, you will need to narrow your search to accountants in Sydney or to those who are ready to travel to your office on occasion.
- Consider their fees
Bootstrapping a business entails extending funds as far as they can go to maximise efficiency. Many conventional accountants will avoid new company endeavours if they do not see the value in them.
Start-up accountants understand most companies’ limited financial strategy and can give them the help and answers they require to grow their business.
A growing firm must invest money in areas such as product development, marketing, sales, and customer support. Working with a start-up accountant can help a start-up stretch available funds until the time comes to hire a full-time CFO.
- Ask for recommendations
Nothing beats a personal endorsement. You may have some business contacts and can always ask them for a reference.
You should inquire about their experience with their accountant or the business with which they are affiliated. When it comes to selecting accountants, recommendations are always highly useful.
Questions you absolutely must ask a potential accountant:
- Are they a member of a reputable accounting organisation?
- Is the accountant’s firm established?
- Who will be in charge of your affairs, and what are their qualifications?
- Are they knowledgeable about your industry?
- Can they offer business advice and assist with financial management for your company?
- Does the firm offer investment advice as well as aid with business and personal financing?
- Will they return your calls promptly?
- How long will it take them to complete your work?
- Are they well-versed in income tax and GST legislation and stay up-to-date?
- Are they acquainted with the accounting software your business uses?
- What is their hourly rate and the basis for charging fees?
- Will they travel if the need arises?|
Final Word!
Accountants in Sydney capable of managing complicated financial work and offering realistic business advice are invaluable to the growth of their customers’ businesses. Start-ups will inevitably end up saving money as a direct and indirect result of this expertise, both immediately and over time.
